Evan Ruggiero began dancing at the age of five in his hometown studio and by age ten, he was accepted into the famed New Jersey Tap Ensemble. Upon entering his sophomore year at Montclair State University while pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, Evan was suddenly diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer of the right leg. Enduring nine surgeries in a six-month period in an effort to save the leg, the cancer returned more aggressively than the original diagnosis. He was faced with the ultimate decision of amputation in order to stop the cancer and save his life, as well as undergoing chemotherapy for sixteen months. Eighteen months after the amputation, and only two days after receiving his “peg-leg”, Evan was tap dancing again. In 2018 he received a Drama Desk Nomination for Best Actor in a Musical, a Chita Rivera Award Nomination for Best Dancer in a Musical, and was awarded a Clive Barnes Award in Theatre for his portrayal of Tom Jones in NYC’s off-broadway hit “Bastard Jones.” This past year he was seen performing at Carnegie Hall and at the 90th Oscars. He has performed for many notable individuals such as Ellen Degeneres, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden, Egypt’s sixth and current president, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and most recently performed alongside two-time Grammy winning artist, Jason Mraz. Social media: @Lord_Pegleg
In episode 114, Evan chats with actress and host Maggie Bera about the harrowing details of his illness and how he ultimately overcame it. An advocate for artists with disabilities, he also discusses the importance of representation and inclusion within the theatre industry.
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my best advice for all actors heading into 2023 (PART 2)
my best advice for all actors heading into 2023
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is social media really THAT important for actors?
5 rookie mistakes actors make after graduating (from personal experience lol)
how to get involved in readings, workshops and new musicals
why I work a 9-5 full time job while pursuing a career as an actor
agents, actors access, tv/film, mental health + MORE with Junior Gomez
what your actor website says about you
how to start your own audition journal
why actors need to find a hobby outside of theatre
what is summer stock + what happens when you don’t book the job?
do all actors need a website?
my step-by-step guide to filming a simple self-tape audition
swings, understudies and standbys (and why they’re so important)
5 lessons I learned after graduating with a BFA in musical theatre
8 things I wish I knew before pursuing a career in theatre
college auditions, self tapes, and survival jobs with Ben Biggers (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical)
best advice for actors from behind the table with music director Daniel Klintworth (Pretty Woman)
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